Protein that enhances expression of potassium channels on cell surfaces and nucleic acids that encode the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides polynucleotides that encode a protein, designated herein as K+ Channel Associated Protein or “KChAP”. It has been determined that expressing polynucleotides that encode KChAP in host cells, along with polynucleotides that encode the Kvα channel subunit Kv 2.1, the Kvα channel subunit Kv 2.2, the Kvα channel subunit Kv 1.3, or the Kvα channel subunit Kv 4.3, increases the number of Kv2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv1.3 or Kv4.3 channels, respectively, in the plasma membrane of such cells. The present invention also relates to a method of making cells that have increased numbers of Kv channels on the plasma membranes thereof and to a method of using such cells as model systems for studying the effect of pharmacological agents on Kv channels, particularly on Kv2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv 1.3, and Kv 4.3 channels. The present invention also relates to the protein KChAP.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The electrical properties of excitable cells are determined in large part by the voltage-gated K⁺ channels, i.e., “Kv channels”, present on the plasma membrane of such cells. Kv channels are also important in many nonexcitable cells where they contribute to diverse processes such as volume regulation, hormone secretion, and activation by mitogens. At least 50 different Kv channel genes have been identified, and most have been assigned to one of the following four major subfamilies: Kv1, Kv2, Kv3, and Kv4. Each Kv channel gene encodes a single pore-forming subunit, referred to as the α-subunit. Functional Kv channels are formed by the tetrameric association of individual α-subunits. With multiple Kvα proteins that assemble as multi-subunit heteromeric complexes, there may be hundreds of functionally distinct Kv channels.

[0002] Kv channels, either functioning or malfunctioning, are implicated in many disease states including cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, angina, asthma, diabetes, renal insufficiency, urinary incontinence, irritable colon, epilepsy, cerebrovascular ischemia and autoimmune diseases Accordingly, efforts are underway to identify and characterize pharmacological agents that alter the kinetics, gating or formation of Kv channels. The efficacy of such agents is determined by treating cells with such agents and measuring changes in current across the plasma membrane of the cells. Unfortunately, it is difficult to measure small changes in the current in most cells. It is also difficult to determine whether a pharmacological agent alters current flow through a specific Kv channel. Accordingly, it is desirable to have methods and tools which can be used to regulate the numbers and types of Kv channels on the plasma membrane of cells. It is also desirable to have new research tools that can be used for examining the assembly and synthesis of Kv channels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides novel polynucleotides that encode a novel protein, designated herein as K+ Channel Associated Protein or “KChAP”. It has been determined that expressing polynucleotides that encode KChAP in host cells, along with polynucleotides that encode the Kvα channel subunit Kv 2.1, the Kvα channel subunit Kv 2.2, the Kvα channel subunit Kv 1.3, or the Kvα channel subunit Kv 4.3, increases the number of Kv2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv1.3 or Kv4.3 channels, respectively, in the plasma membrane of such cells. Accordingly, KChAP polynucleotides are useful for making cells that have increased numbers of Kv channels on the cellular plasma membrane. Such cells are useful model systems for studying the effect of pharmacological agents on Kv channels, particularly on Kv2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv 1.3, and Kv 4.3 channels.

[0004] The present invention also relates to the novel protein KChAP. During formation of Kv channels, KChAP binds to the Kvα channel subunits Kv2.1, Kv2.2, Kv1.3, and Kv4.3 within the cytoplasm of the cell. KChAP also binds to the Kvα channel subunits Kv1.2, Kv 1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv 3.1 and to Kvβ subunits. Accordingly, KChAP and the antibodies that are immunospecific for KChAP are useful research tools for monitoring the interaction between diverse Kvα channel subunits and KChAP and for monitoring the interaction between Kvα subunits and Kvβ subunits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a full-length cDNA that encodes KChAP and partial fragments thereof. The open reading frame is flanked by 219 base pairs of untranslated sequence on the 5′ end, and 980 base pairs of untranslated sequence on the 3′ end as indicated by the thin lines. KChAP-Y depicts the partial clone that was originally isolated in the yeast two-hybrid screen. KChAP-Y extends from amino acid W3 10 through the poly A tail at the 3′ end. The domain on KChAP that binds to Kvα subunits and to Kvα subunits, hereinafter referred to as the “Kvα/Kvβbinding domain”, has been localized to the region between amino acids W310 and L407;

[0006]FIG. 2 shows a cDNA sequence, SEQ ID NO: 1, that encodes rat KChAP, and the predicted amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 2, of the KChAP protein encoded by the rat cDNA;

[0007]FIG. 3 shows a cDNA sequence, SEQ ID NO: 3, that encodes human KChAP, and the predicted amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 4, of the KChAP protein encoded by the human cDNA;

[0008]FIG. 4 provides a comparison of the amino acid sequences of rat KChAP and human KChAP. The double dots between the sequences identify highly conserved amino acids, i.e., amino acids that are similar in size, hydrophobicity, and charge. The single dot between the aligned amino acid sequences identify amino acids that are less highly conserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The KChAP Protein

[0010] The present invention provides a unique protein KChAP. The mature form of KChAP has a calculated molecular weight of about 62.4 kDa. In one embodiment the human KChAP protein has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 3 (SEQ ID NO: 4). In one embodiment the rat KChAP protein has the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2).

[0011] The present invention also relates to allelic variants or derivatives of the amino acid sequences shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition to naturally occurring allelic forms of the protein, the KChAP protein as described herein embraces non-naturally occurring derivatives of the KChAP protein where one or more of the amino acids have been replaced by conservative amino acid residues, typically by using direct synthesis or recombinant techniques. The present invention also relates to allelic variants or derivatives of the KChAP that have an amino acid sequence identity of at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably of at least 95% with the amino acid sequences shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, provided however, that the derivative is capable of binding to the N-termini of the Kvα subunits Kv 2.1, Kv2.2, Kv 1.3, Kv4.3 and to the C-terminus of Kvβ 1.2.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an isolated peptide which comprises the domain of KChAP that binds to Kvα subunits, particularly the Kvα subunits Kv 2.1, Kv2.2, Kv4.3 and to Kvβ subunits, particularly Kvβ 1.2. Such domain is hereinafter referred to as the “Kvα/Kvβ binding domain”. As used herein, peptide means a fragment of the KChAP protein and accordingly is smaller and comprises fewer amino acids than the KChAP protein. In one embodiment, this peptide comprises the amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 5, extending from T309 through L407 as shown in FIG. 2 and the amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 7, extending from T309 through L407 as shown in FIG. 3. The present invention also relates to allelic variants or derivatives of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO's: 5 and 7.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an isolated peptide which comprises the C terminal domain of the KChAP protein, i.e., the last 160 to 170 amino acids of the KChAP protein. In one embodiment, the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 In another embodiment, the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ. ID NO: 9. In another embodiment, the peptide is a variant of the C terminal domain of the rat KChAP protein and the human KChAP protein and comprises:

[0014] (a) a Kvα/Kvβ binding domain having the following sequence: SEQ ID NO:10, WTCPVCDKKA PYESLUDGL FMEILXaSCSD CDEIQFMEDG SWCPMKPKKE ASEVCPPPGY GLDGLQYSPV QXaGXaXaSENKK XaVEVJDLTIE SSSDEEDL,

[0015] wherein the Xa at position 25 is serine or asparagine,

[0016] the Xa at position 72 is glycine or glutamic acid,

[0017] the Xa at position 74 is aspartic acid or asparagine,

[0018] the Xa at position 75 is proline or glutamine

[0019] the Xa at position 80 is lysine or arginine; and

[0020] (b) a C terminal domain having the following sequence: SEQ ID NO: 11 PPTKKHCXaVT SAAIPALPGS KGXaLTSGHQP SSVLRSPAMG TL GXaDFLSSL PLHEYPPAFP LG ADJQGLDL FSFLQTESQH YXaPSVJTSLD EQDXaLGHFFQ XaRGTPXaHFLG PLAPTLGSSH XaS ATPAPXaPG RVSSTVAPGXa XaLREGHGGPL PSGPSLTGCR SDJXaSLD;

[0021] wherein the Xa at position 8 is serine or proline,

[0022] the Xa at position 23 is valine or alanine,

[0023] the Xa at position 44 is glycine or serine,

[0024] the Xa at position 82 is, glycine or serine,

[0025] the Xa at position 94 is alanine or threonine,

[0026] the Xa at position 101 is tyrosine or phenylalanine,

[0027] the Xa at position 106 is serine or proline,

[0028] the Xa at position 121 is cystine or arginine,

[0029] the Xa at position 128 is proline or alanine,

[0030] the Xa at position 140 or glycine or serine,

[0031] the Xa at position 141 is alanine or serine,

[0032] the Xa at position 164 is isoleucine or valine.

[0033] Such peptides are useful for producing antibodies that are immunospecific for KChAP.

[0034] The present invention also relates to fusion proteins wherein additional amino acids are fused to the KChAP protein or to the peptide fragments of KChAP. The additional amino acids are added at either the 3′ end or 5′ end of the protein or peptide, for example, to aid in purification of the protein or peptide. The KChAP proteins and peptides are provided in an isolated form.

[0035] KChAP is not a channel protein. KChAP binds with the N-termini of Kvα1 and Kvα2 subunits. Specifically, KChAP binds with the α subunits Kv 2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv 1.3, Kv 4.3, Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kv1.5. KChAP also binds to Kvβ subunits, particularly Kvβ1 and its isoforms. Kvβ subunits are cytoplasmic proteins that form stable complexes with Kvα1 subunits. Kvβ subunits are strong modulators of Kv channels. The Kvβ subunit, Kvβ1.2 suppresses current in the Kv1.5 potassium channel; this effect is abolished by KChAP which binds the Kvβ1.2.

[0036] Preparing KChAP

[0037] KChAP may be synthetically produced by conventional peptide synthesizers. Preferably, KChAP is produced using cell-free translation systems and RNA molecules derived from DNA constructs that encode the KChAP protein. Alternatively, KChAP is made by transfecting host cells with expression vectors that comprise a DNA sequence that encodes the KChAP protein and then inducing expression of the protein in the host cells. For recombinant production, recombinant constructs comprising one or more of the sequences which encode KChAP are introduced into host cells by conventional methods such as calcium phosphate transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, transvection, microinjection, cationic lipid-mediated transfection, electroporation, transduction, scrape lading, ballistic introduction or infection.

[0038] KChAP is expressed in suitable host cells, such as for example, mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria, or other cells under the control of appropriate promoters using conventional techniques. Following transformation of the suitable host strain and growth of the host strain to an appropriate cell density, the cells are harvested by centrifugation, disrupted by physical or chemical means, and the resulting crude extract retained for further purification of the KChAP protein.

[0039] Conventional procedures for isolating recombinant proteins from transformed host cells, such as isolation by initial extraction from cell pellets or from cell culture medium, followed by salting-out, and one or more chromatography steps, including aqueous ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography steps, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and affinity chromatography may be used to isolate recombinant KChAP.

[0040] Preparation of Antibodies

[0041] Recombinant KChAP or portions thereof, i.e., KChAP peptides, are used as immunogens to produce antibodies immunospecific for wild-type KChAP. Preferably, the KChAP peptides have little sequence homology with the human Gu binding protein, whose amino acid sequence is about 50% homologous with the amino acid sequences shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The term “immunospecific” means the antibodies have substantially greater affinity for KChAP than for other proteins. Such antibodies are generated using conventional techniques by administering KChAP or the portion thereof to an animal, preferably a nonhuman, more preferably a rabbit. Conventional protocols are also used to collect blood from the immunized animals and to isolate the serum and or the IgG fraction from the blood. For preparation of monoclonal antibodies, conventional hybridoma techniques are used.

[0042] Polyclonal serum to KChAP was made using a bacterial fusion protein comprising the C-terminal 167 amino acids of KChAP. i.e., from amino acid L407, fused to the maltose binding protein. The fusion protein was prepared by subcloning the C-terminal 167 amino acids of KChAP into pMAL-C2 vector from New England Biolabs. The resulting vector was used to transform E. coli. The fusion protein was isolated from transformed E. coli cells on an amylose resin and sent to Research Genetics, Inc. for generation of polyclonal sera using conventional techniques

[0043] Antibodies to KChAP are useful analytical tools for monitoring the formation of Kv channels and for studying the intracellular association of KChAP with Kvα subunits and with Kvβ subunits. Such antibodies are also useful reagents for identifying the intracellular location of the interaction between KChAP and Kvα and Kvβ subunits. Such antibodies are also useful to isolate or identify cells expressing the KChAP protein and to purify KChAP from partially purified preparations by affinity chromatography.

[0044] The KChAP Polynucleotide

[0045] The present invention also provides polynucleotides that encode the KChAP protein and the KChAP peptides of the present invention, hereinafter referred to collectively as the “KChAP polynucleotides”. The KChAP polynucleotide is single stranded or double stranded. The polynucleotide is a DNA or RNA molecule, preferably a DNA molecule, and comprises a sequence which codes for the KChAP protein, preferably the human KChAP protein, or fragments thereof. Optionally, the polynucleotide also comprises a leader sequence and encodes a KChAP protein which is processed and secreted from mammalian cells as the mature polypeptide. Polynucleotides encoding KChAP protein may also be fused in frame to a marker sequence which allows for purification of the KChAP protein such as the maltose binding protein, which binds to amylose resin. Polynucleotides encoding KChAP protein or KChAP peptide fragments may also be fused in frame to a marker sequence, such as c-myc, which encodes an epitope that allows for monitoring the intracellular location of KChAP using commercially available antibodies.

[0046] In one embodiment, the KChAP polynucleotide encodes for a KChAP protein comprising the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2. One example of a polynucleotide that encodes the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2, is depicted in FIG. 2, and set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes for a KChAP protein comprising the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO: 4. One example of a polynucleotide that encodes the protein of SEQ ID NO: 4 is depicted in FIG. 3 and set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides that encode an allelic variant of the proteins having the amino acid sequences shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0047] In another embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes for variants of KChAP protein, wherein the variants have the following sequence: SEQ ID NO:6 MKIKIELYRRR FPRKTLGPSD LSLLSLPPGT SPVGSPXaPLA XaIIIPPTLLXaPG TLLGPKREVD MHPPLPQPVH PDVTMKPLPF YEVYGELIRP TTLASTSSQR; FEEAHFTFAL TPQQXaQQILT SREVLPGAKC DYTIQVQLRF CLCETSCPQE; DYFPPNLFVK VNGKLCPLPG YLPPTKNGAE PKRPSRPNI TPLARLSATV; PNTIVVNWSS EFGRNYSLSV YLVRQLTAGT LLQKLRAKGI RNPDHSRALI; KEKLTADPDS EVATTSLRVS LMCPLGKMRL TVPCRALTCA HLQSFDAALY; LQMNEKKPTW TCPVCDKKAP YESLIIDGLF MEILXaSCSDC DEIQFMEDGS; WCPMKPKKEA SEVCPPPGYG LDGLQYSPVQ XaGXaPSENKKXa VEVIDLTIES; SSDEEDLPP TKKHCXaVTSA AIPALPGSKG XaLTSGHQPSS VLRSPAMGTLG; XaDFLSSLPLH EYPPAFPLGA DIQGLDLFSF LQTESQHYXaP SVITSLDEQD; XaLGHFFQXaRG TPXaHFLGPLA PTLGSSHXaSA TPAPXaPGRVS SIVAPGXaXaLR; EGHGGPLPSG PSLTGCRSDI XaSLD,;

[0048] wherein the amino acid Xa at position 37 is glycine or serine;

[0049] the amino acid Xa at position 41 is proline or serine;

[0050] the amino acid Xa at position 48 is alanine or threonine;

[0051] the amino acid Xa at position 115 is valine or leucine;

[0052] the amino acid Xa at position 335 is serine or asparagine;

[0053] the amino acid Xa at position 381 is glycine or glutamic acid;

[0054] the amino acid Xa at position 383 is aspartic acid or asparagine;

[0055] the amino acid Xa at position 384 isoproline or glutamine;

[0056] the amino acid Xa at position 390 is lysine or arganine;

[0057] the amino acid Xa at position 416 is serine or proline;

[0058] the amino acid Xa at position 431 is valine or alanine;

[0059] the amino acid Xa at position 451 is glycine or serine;

[0060] the amino acid Xa at position 489 is glycine or serine;

[0061] the amino acid Xa at position 501 is alanine or threonine;

[0062] the amino acid Xa at position 508 is tyrosine or phenylalanine;

[0063] the amino acid Xa at position 513 is serine or proline;

[0064] the amino acid Xa at position 528 is cysteine or arginine

[0065] the amino acid Xa at position 535 is proline or alanine;

[0066] the amino acid Xa at position 547 is glycine or serine;

[0067] the amino acid Xa at position 548 is alanine or serine;

[0068] the amino acid Xa at position 570 is isoleucine or valine.

[0069] The present invention further relates to polynucleotides which are complementary to sequences that have at least 85% identity, preferably 90% identity, more preferably 95% identity with the nucleotide sequences which encode the amino acid sequences shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 or SEQ ID NO: 6.

[0070] Preferably, the polynucleotides comprise a sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to sequences which encode the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 or sequences which are complementary thereto. As herein used, the term “stringent conditions” means hybridization will occur if there is at least 95% and, preferably, at least 97% identity between the sequences. Preferably, the polynucleotide is provided in an isolated form.

[0071] The polynucleotides that encode the KChAP protein are useful for preparing cells that have increased numbers of Kv channels on their cell surface. The polynucleotides of the present invention are useful for preparing cells that have Kv channels formed from exogenous Kvα subunits. As used herein, “an exogenous Kvα subunit ” means that the gene encoding the Kvα subunit is not normally expressed in the cell. Kvα subunits that are normally expressed in a cell are referred to as endogenous subunits. To prepare the cells, polynucleotides encoding KChAP and a Kvα subunit, an exogenous Kvα subunit, preferably are co-transfected or co-injected into host cells. Preferably, the cRNA molecules that encode KChAP and the Kvα subunit are coinjected with one pipette. Preferably, the Kvα subunit is a Kv2.1, Kv2.2, Kv1.3 or Kv4.3 subunit, The resulting cells, which have on the surface thereof increased numbers of Kv channels formed by the exogenogous Kvα subunits, are useful for testing the efficacy of compounds designed to alter current flow through the newly-expressed Kv channels such as, for example by measuring whole-cell currents using the conventional two microelectrode voltage-clamp technique.

[0072] The KChAP polynucleotides are also useful for producing KChAP constructs which are useful for producing KChAP protein or fragments thereof by recombinant techniques. Such constructs include, among others, vectors, such as a plasmid, phagemid, or viral vector, into which a sequence that encodes the KChAP protein has been inserted. Optionally, such constructs encode a fusion KChAP which includes an N-terminal or C-terminal peptide or tag that simplifies purification of the expressed recombinant product. Representative examples of such tags include sequences which encode a series of histidine residues, the Herpes simplex glycoprotein D, or glutathione S-transferase.

[0073] Polynucleotides encoding KChAP are also useful for designing hybridization probes for isolating and identifying cDNA clones and genomic clones encoding KChAP, or for identifying cells and tissues containing KChAP transcripts. Such hybridization techniques are known to those of skill in the art. Sequence of polynucleotides that encode human or rat KChAP are also useful for designing primers for polymerase chain reaction, a technique useful for obtaining large quantities of cDNA molecules that encode KChAP. Preferably, the primers comprise 18-30 nucleotides, more preferably 19-25 nucleotides. Preferably, the primers have a G+C content of 40% or greater.

[0074] Cloning the C Terminal Region of a cDNA that Encodes Rat KChAP

[0075] A cDNA encoding the C terminal region of rat KChAP was isolated using the Yeast Two-Hybrid Library Screen and a rat brain cDNA library in the GAL4 activation domain vector, pGAD10, obtained from Clontech. In this procedure the entire coding sequence of Kvβ1.2 (amino acids 1-408), which was used as bait for proteins that interact with Kvβ1.2, was subcloned in frame into the GAL4 DNA binding domain vector, pGBT9 from Clontech after PCR-mediated addition of a 5′ EcoRI site and a 3′ SalI site. The yeast Y190 strain (with two reporter genes, lacZ and HIS3) was cotransformed simultaneously with Kvβ1.2 pGBT9 and pGAD10library DNA, and plated on synthetic medium lacking tryptophan (trp), leucine (leu), and histidine (his) plus 3-aminotriazole (25 mm) to prevent leaky transcription of the HIS3 gene. After incubation for 8 days at 30° C., His colonies were screened for β-galactosidase activity by a filter lift assay as outlined in Clontech protocols. Yeast DNA was isolated from colonies positive for both reporter genes using a phenol/glass-bead protocol (Clontech). Individual library plasmids were isolated after transformation of yeast DNA into chemically competent HB101 bacteria and growth on minimal medium lacking leucine. Individual pGAD10 recombinant plasmids were screened for interaction with Kvβ1.2 by repeating the yeast two-hybrid assay in Y190 cells. One plasmid, designated herein as the “KChAP-Y plasmid”, activated transcription of the reporter genes in cells co-transformed simultaneously with Kvβ1.2 pGBT9, but did not activate transcription in control cells transformed with the KChAP-Y plasmid alone.

[0076] KChAP-Y plasmid cDNA was sequenced, and found to comprise a 1.78 kb insert encoding an open reading frame of 264 amino acids and 980 base pairs of 3′ untranslated sequence including the poly (A⁺) tail. This insert or fragment is designated herein as “KChAP-Y”.

[0077] Cloning of a Full-Length cDNA Encoding rat KChAP

[0078] A polynucleotide encoding KChAP-Y was used as a probe to obtain a full-length cDNA encoding KChAP. In this procedure, the ³²P labeled KChAP-Y insert was used to screen a rat brain cDNA library in λgt10 from Clontech. One of the hybridizing clones contained an insert of 3.2 kb with a single open reading frame encoding a protein of 574 amino acids. The start methionine was identified as the first ATG downstream from three in frame stop codons.

[0079] The full length cDNA encoding KChAP, designated herein as the “KChAP gene” is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The sequence of the KChAP gene is shown in FIG. 2 and set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. Hydropathy analysis showed no putative membrane spanning regions in KChAP. The open reading frame of the KChAP gene predicts a protein of 574 amino acids and having the sequence shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2. The open reading frame of the KChAP gene is flanked by 219 base pairs of untranslated sequence on the 5′ end, and 980 base pairs of 3′ untranslated sequence. The 980 base pair sequence as indicated by the thin lines in FIG. 1. The Kvα/Kvβ binding domain on the KChAP gene has been localized to the region which encodes amino acids W310 through L407. The Kvα/Kvβ binding domain has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5. KChAP-Y extends from amino acid W310 of the full-length KChAP protein through the poly A tail at the 3′ end.

[0080] In Vitro Transcription and Translation of the KChAP Gene

[0081] Full-length KChAP cDNA was removed from pGBT9 with EcoRI and SalI and subcloned into a pCR3 vector which was modified to allow the cloning of EcoRI/SalI fragments in frame behind a c-myc tag. The KChAP fragment for subcloning was prepared by PCR to contain only a consensus Kozak sequence at the 5′ end and a poly (A⁺) tail just past the stop codon at the 3′ end to eliminate most of the 5′ and 3′ untranslated sequences in the expression construct. KChAP cRNA was prepared using the T7 mMESSAGE mMACHINE kit (Ambion) following linearization of the construct with NotI. cRNA for c-myc-KChAP was translated in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate to provide the fusion protein c-myc-KChAP.

[0082] Cloning of a Full-Length cDNA Encoding Human KChAP

[0083] Reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques were used to clone a cDNA encoding human KChAP. The template was human brain poly A+ RNA from Clonetech. The reverse transcription reaction mixture was incubated for 1 hour at 420° C., and then heat inactivated.

[0084] PCR amplification was performed using the sense primer 5′ATGAAGATCAAAGAGCTTTACCGACG 3′, SEQ ID NO: 12 and the antisense primer 5′TCAGTCCAGGGAAATCATGACCG 3′, SEQ ID NO: 13, which flank the start methionine and stop codon, respectively. The following reagent concentrations were used for amplification: 5% DMSO, 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 0.2 pmole/μl of each oligomeric primer, Clonetech's Advantage cDNA polymerase mix and buffer. The cycling protocol was as follows: one cycle at 94° C. for 2 minutes; 35 cycles at 94° C. for 15 seconds, 50° C. for 15 seconds, and 72° C. for 30 seconds; and one cycle at 72° C. for 10 minutes.

[0085] The PCR product was gel-purified using Qiaquick Gel Extraction Kit from Qiagen, sub-cloned into PCRII from Invitrogen and sequenced using Sequenase from U.S. Biochemicals. The nucleotide sequence of the open reading frame, SEQ ID NO: 3, and the predicted amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 4, encoded thereby are shown in FIG. 3.

[0086] Increasing the Number of Kv2.1, 2.2, 1.3 and 4.3 Channels in Host Cells

[0087] A. Materials

[0088] Human Gu binding protein cDNA encoding the peptide spanning amino acids M49 to D645 was obtained by RT-PCR from human brain poly A+ RNA and subcloned into pCRII (Invitrogen) for transcription. A Kozak sequence was included in the 5′ oligo to facilitate translation in oocytes. cRNAs for Kv1α-subunits were prepared as described in Majumder et al, (1995), FEBS Letts, 377, 383-389, and Wang et al. (1996), J. Bio. Chem., 271, 28311-28317. cRNA encoding Kv2.1ΔN (in which the N-terminal 139 amino acids had been deleted) prepared was as described in VanDongen et al, (1990), Neuron 5, 433-443. HERG cDNA was obtained from Dr. M. Keating. Kv2.2 was obtained from Drs. S. Snyder and J. Trimmer. Rat Kv2.1 in pBluescript was linearized with NotI and cRNA was prepared with T7 polymerase. cRNA concentrations were estimated on denaturing agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide by comparison with RNA standards. cRNAs were mixed and injected into Xenopus oocytes as described in Majumder et al, (1995).

[0089] B. Methods

[0090] Xenopus oocytes were co-injected with cRNA molecules encoding human KChAP protein or rat KChAP protein and with cRNA molecules encoding one of the following Kvα subunits: Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv3.1, Kv2.1, Kv2.2 and Kv4.3, or with cRNA molecules encoding Kir 2.2, HERG, and Kv2.1ΔN. As a control, Xenopus oocytes were injected with cRNA molecules encoding the α-subunits alone. For comparison Xenopus oocytes were co-injected with cRNA molecules encoding human Gu binding protein and the α-subunits.

[0091] Whole oocyte currents were measured either two days after co-injection of c-myc-KChAP cRNA and cRNAs encoding Kv4.3, Kv1.2, Kv3.1, Kir 2.2, or aKv2.1ΔN, or five days post-injection from oocytes injected with cRNAs encoding Kv2.1, Kv2.2, Kv1.5 or HERG plus c-myc-KChAP cRNA. Bath solution contained (in mmol/liter): 5 KOH, 100 NaOH, 0.5 CaCl₂, 2 MgCl₂, 100 MES, and 10 HEPES (pH 7.4). Solution containing 50 K⁺ was prepared by replacing an equivalent concentration of Na⁺. Electrodes were filled with 3 M KCl and had a resistance of 0.3-0.6 MΩ. All recordings were made at room temperature. Linear leakage and capacity transient currents were subtracted (P/4 prepulse protocol) unless specified and data were low pass filtered at 1 kHz. pClamp software (Axon Instruments) was used for generation of the voltage-pulse protocols and data acquisition. Means±S.E.M. were calculated and were considered to be significantly different when P<0.05. Comparisons among multiple groups of oocytes were performed by one-way ANOVA test and Student-Newman-Keuls post-hoc test (SKN test).

[0092] For Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv2.1ΔN, Kv2.2 Kv3.1 and Kv4.3 channels holding potential was −80 mV. Peak (Kv4.3) or steady state (other channels) currents were measured at a test potential of +70 mV (5 or 50 K+ in the bath). Kir 2.2 and HERG currents were recorded with 50 K+ in the bath at test potential to −100 mv with a pre-pulse to +20 mV.

[0093] The results indicated that co-injection of oocytes with cRNA encoding KChAP and encoding either Kv2.1 α subunit, or Kv2.2 α subunit, or Kv4.3 α subunit significantly increased the amplitude of Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv4.3 currents as compared to oocytes injected with these respective α-subunits alone. No change was observed in the currents of control oocytes or oocytes coinjected with cRNA encoding KChAP and cRNA encoding either Kv1.2 α subunit, or Kv1.5 α subunit, or Kv3.1α subunit. The results also indicated that KChAP did not alter the kinetics or gating of Kv2.1, Kv2.2, or Kv4.3 channels.

[0094] Several hours after recording, the oocytes injected with cRNA molecules encoding KChAP and Kv2.2 α subunit were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. 50 μm vibrotome sections were cut, and incubated for 2 hours in 1% BSA/PBS to block nonspecific binding sites. The sections were incubated at 4° C. overnight in primary antibodies, that is an anti-Kv2.1 α subunit, rabbit polyclonal antibody, from Upstate Biotechnology, Inc.; and anti-c-myc, a mouse monoclonal antibody, from Boehringer Mannheim, Inc. The sections were washed, and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature in secondary antibodies, FITC-conjugated anti-rabbit for Kv2.1 and TRITC-conjugated anti-mouse for c-myc. Sections were examined with an Olympus BH-2 microscope for the appearance of fluorescence.

[0095] The FITC fluorescence, which indicates the amount of Kv2.1 α subunit, was much brighter at the oocyte surface in eggs expressing both Kv2.1 and KChAP as compared to eggs expressing the Kv2.1 α subunit alone. Thus, co-injection cRNA molecules encoding KChAP with cRNA encoding either Kv2.1, Kv2.2, or Kv4.3 α subunits increases the number of functional Kv2.1, Kv2.2 and Kv4.3 channels on the plasma membrane of cells as compared to cells injected with cRNA molecules encoding the Kvα subunits alone. By increasing the number of functional Kv2.1, Kv2.2 and Kv4.3 channels on the surface of a host cell, one can more readily study the channels and more easily observe the effect of pharmaceutical agents on such channels.

[0096] Interaction of KChAP with Kvα and Kvβ Subunits.

[0097] The interaction of KChAP with particular Kvα and β subunits was examined using an indirect and direct procedure.

[0098] (a) Indirect Procedure for Monitoring Interaction of KChAP with Kvα and Kvβ subunits

[0099] In the indirect procedure, the yeast Matchmaker Two-Hybrid System Clontech and cDNA molecules encoding KChAP and KChAP-Y were used. The binding specificity between full length KChAP or KChAP-Y and the following Kvα, Kvβ and other K+ channel subunit fragments were determined: Kvβ1.2 (amino acids 1-408), Kvβ1.2-N terminus (amino acids 1-79), Kvβ1C (carboxyl terminal 329 amino acids of the Kvβ1 subfamily), Kvβ2 (amino acids 1-367); Kv1.1-N terminus (amino acids 1-168), Kv1.2 N-terminus (amino acids 1-124), Kv1.4 N-terminus (amino acids 1-305), Kv1.4 C-terminus (amino acids 562-654), Kv1.5 N-terminus (amino acids 1-248), Kv2.1 N-terminus (amino acids 1-168), Kv2.2 N-terminus (amino acids 1-185), Kv6.1 N-terminus (amino acids 1-209), Kir2.2 N-terminus (amino acids 1-86), and HERG N-terminus (amino acids 1-396). The ability of human Gα-binding protein (GBP) to bind to these fragments was also determined.

[0100] Protein-protein interactions were tested by co-transformation of the yeast host strain Y190 with a pGAD10 plasmid containing inserts encoding KChAP-Y, KChAP or GBP with a pGBT9 plasmid containing an insert encoding one of the K+ channel protein fragments. pGBT9 is a GAL4 DNA binding domain [BD] vector. Co-transformants were plated on medium lacking trp and leu and grown for 2.5 days at 30° C. Yeast colonies were lifted to paper filters and assayed for β-galactosidase activity. Appearance of blue color within 8 hours was scored as a positive interaction between the proteins encoded by the two plasmids.

[0101] KChAP and KChAP-Y interacted with the fragments in a similar manner. KChAP interacted with the N-terminus of Kvα1 subunits and the Kvα2 subunits. KChAP also associated with the C terminus of Kvα1 and Kvβ2 with no apparent interaction with the Kvβ1.2 N-terminus. No binding was observed to the C-terminus of Kv1.4, nor to the N-termini of either HERG, Kir2.2, or Kv6.1. KChAP-Y interacted with the N-termini of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.4, and Kv1.5. No interaction was evident between the Kv1.4 C-terminus and KChAP-Y. KChAP-Y also interacted with the N-termini of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, but not with the N-terminus of the electrically silent Kv2 partner, Kv6.1 Further specificity for a subset of Kv channels was apparent from the lack of interaction with the N-terminus of the inward rectifier K⁺ channel, Kir2.2, and the N-terminus of the delayed rectifier K⁺ channel, HERG. Thus, KChAP-Y both interact with the C-terminus of Kvβ subunits as well as the N-termini of Kv1 and Kv2 α-subunits.

[0102] The minimal KChAP sequence sufficient for Kvα and Kvβ binding was determined by expressing fragments of KChAP in yeast two-hybrid assays with the Kv fragments. The results indicated that the Kvα and Kvβ binding domain of KChAP is localized to a region between amino acids W310 and L407. Gu binding protein did not interact with any of the fragments. Thus, although KChAP shares 50% homology with GBP, interaction with Kvβ and Kvα subunits appears to be a unique feature of KChAP.

[0103] (b) Direct Procedure for Monitoring Interaction of KChAP and Kvα and Kvβ subunits

[0104] The direct procedure involved immunoprecipitation of protein complexes produced by in vitro translation of cRNA for c-myc-KChAP and cRNA for the α-subunit Kv2. 1. These cRNA molecules were translated in vitro either separately to produce individual proteins or together to produce complexes in rabbit reticulocyte lysates in the presence of ³⁵S-methionine using the Retic Lysate IVT kit (Ambion). For immunoprecipitation (IP), 10 μl aliquots of each translation mixture were diluted into 1 ml IP buffer (1% Triton X-100, 150 mM NaCl, 50 mM Tris pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA). To monitor the ability of the two proteins to associate after translation, 10 μl aliquots of individual translates of Kv2.1 and c-myc-KChAP were mixed in 1 ml IP buffer prior to addition of antibody. IP was performed with two primary antibodies: anti-Kv2.1 polyclonal (1:100 dilution; Upstate Biotechnology, Inc.) or anti-c-myc monoclonal (1:400; Boehringer Mannheim). After addition of the primary antibody, the reactions were mixed gently overnight at 4° C. Immune complexes were collected on magnetic beads coupled to either anti-rabbit or anti-mouse secondary antibodies (Dynal, Inc.). After four washes in IP buffer, bound protein was eluted by boiling in SDS sample buffer, and analyzed on 10% polyacrylamide/SDS gels. The gel was fixed, soaked in Amplify (Amersham), and radiolabeled protein detected by fluorography.

[0105] The anti-Kv2.1 antibody immuno-precipitated complexes of Kv2.1 and c-myc-KChAP from translation reactions in which the two proteins were co-translated. The formation of a complex between KChAP and Kv2.1 shows a direct interaction between the two proteins. No complexes of Kv2.1 and c-myc-KChAP were detected in samples in which the Kv2.1 and c-myc-KChAP were translated separately and mixed together before the addition of primary antibody This result suggests that the association of KChAP with Kv2.1 occurs co-translationally since the mature proteins added after translation did not co-immunoprecipitate.

[0106] Altering the Effect of Kvβ1-C on Kv1.5 Currents

[0107] Xenopus oocytes were co-injected with cRNA molecules encoding KChAP and cRNA molecules encoding Kv1.5 α subunit and Kvβ1-C. Kvβ1-C is known to interact with the Kv1.5 α subunit within the cell and to decrease Kv1.5 currents. As a control, Xenopus oocytes were injected with cRNA encoding the Kv1.5 α subunit alone or with cRNA molecules encoding Kv1.5 α subunit and Kvβ1-C. Whole cell-currents were measured five days after injection. Holding potential was −80 mV and pulses were from −70 mV to +70 mV in 10 mV steps with 5 mM K⁺ in the bath solution.

[0108] Co-injection into cells of cRNA encoding KChAP and cRNA's encoding Kv1.5 α subunit and Kvβ1-C blocked the effect of Kvβ1-C on Kv1.5 currents.

[0109] Presence of KChAP in the Nucleus

[0110] Examination of the COS-7 cells and mouse L cells transfected with c-myc-KChAP cDNA and stained with FITC-labeled c-myc antibodies indicate that at least a portion of KChAP is located in the nucleus.

[0111] KChAP Expression in Rat Tissues

[0112] A ³²P-labeled riboprobe was prepared from a fragment of rat KChAP cDNA encoding the C-terminal 167 amino acids. This is the region of the KChAP protein which differs most from GBP. The riboprobe was used to probe A rat Multiple Tissue Northern blot (2 μg poly A⁺ RNA per lane) from Clontech. The hybridization was done overnight in NorthernMax hybridization buffer from Ambion at 68° C. The blot was washed with in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 70° C. Autoradiography was performed for 5 hours at −70° C. with Kodak Biomax MS film and intensifying screen. The results indicated that KChAP transcripts are most abundant in heart, brain, skeletal muscle, lung, spleen and kidney.

[0113] Interaction of KChAP with the Tumor Suppresser Product p53

[0114] The interaction of KChAP with the tumor suppresser gene product p53 was examined using the yeast two-hybrid system. The results indicated that p53 binds to the Kvα/Kvβ binding domain of KChAP. Co-injection into Xenopus oocytes of cRNA molecules that encode p53 along with cRNA molecules that encode KChAP and the Kv2.1 α subunit suppressed the stimulatory effect of KChAP on formation of Kv2. 1 channels.

[0115] Testing the Effects of a Compound on Current Flow through Kv Channels

[0116] In order to test the stimulatory or inhibitory effect of a compound, particularly a pharmacological agent, on the flow of current through Kv channels, it is desirable to have a model system comprising a population of cells that have increased numbers of Kv channels on their cellular plasma membranes. Such model system is especially suitable for measuring small changes in current flow. Such model systems are prepared by co-injecting into host cells cRNA molecules encoding KChAP and cRNA molecules encoding a Kvα subunit. The encoding regions for KChAP and for the Kvα subunit may both be on a single cRNA molecule, or the encoding regions for KChAP and for the Kvα subunit may be on separate cRNA molecules. Preferably, the Kvα subunit is an exogenous Kvα subunit, i.e., the Kvα subunit is not normally expressed in the cell. Such model systems are especially useful for monitoring the effect of a compound on a particular Kv channel, i.e., the Kv channel formed by assembly of a plurality of the exogenous Kvα subunits. Thereafter, the cells are cultured for a time and under conditions which permit transformation of the host cells, i.e., expression of the co-injected cRNA molecules and assembly of Kv channels comprising the corresponding Kvα subunits.

[0117] The compound, which has been dissolved in a suitable carrier, is added to the culture medium of a test population of transformed host cells. Preferably, a plurality of concentrations of the compound are added to a corresponding plurality of test populations. The compound is also added to the culture medium of a control population of cells that have not been tranformed, i.e., cRNA molecules encoding KChaP and the Kvα subunit are not injected into the cells. Thereafter, whole cell currents are measured using conventional techniques, such as for example, using a two microelectrode voltage-clamp technique and the gigaseal patch clamp technique. A difference between whole cell currents in the control population and the test populations is indicative of a stimulatory or inhibitory effect of the compound on the Kv channels formed by the exogenous Kvα subunit. Such measurements are also used to determine the effective compound dosage.

[0118] While the invention has been described to some degree of particularity, various adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1 13 1 1725 DNA Rattus norvegicus CDS (1)..(1725) 1 atg aag atc aaa gaa ctt tac cgc agg cgc ttt ccc cgg aag acc ctg 48 Met Lys Ile Lys Glu Leu Tyr Arg Arg Arg Phe Pro Arg Lys Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 ggg cct tcc gat ctc tct ttg ctc tct ttg ccc cct ggc acc tct cct 96 Gly Pro Ser Asp Leu Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Ser Pro 20 25 30 gta ggc tcc ccc agc ccc ctt gct tcc att cct ccc acc ctc ctg acc 144 Val Gly Ser Pro Ser Pro Leu Ala Ser Ile Pro Pro Thr Leu Leu Thr 35 40 45 cct ggc acc ttg ctg ggc cct aag cgt gag gtg gac atg cac cct cct 192 Pro Gly Thr Leu Leu Gly Pro Lys Arg Glu Val Asp Met His Pro Pro 50 55 60 ctg ccc cag cct gtg cac cct gac gtc acc atg aaa cca ctg ccc ttc 240 Leu Pro Gln Pro Val His Pro Asp Val Thr Met Lys Pro Leu Pro Phe 65 70 75 80 tac gaa gtc tac gga gag ctc atc cgg ccg acc acc ctt gcg tcc acc 288 Tyr Glu Val Tyr Gly Glu Leu Ile Arg Pro Thr Thr Leu Ala Ser Thr 85 90 95 tcc agt cag agg ttt gag gaa gcc cac ttt acc ttt gca ctc act ccc 336 Ser Ser Gln Arg Phe Glu Glu Ala His Phe Thr Phe Ala Leu Thr Pro 100 105 110 cag cag ctg cag cag att ctc aca tcc agg gag gtt ctg cca gga gcc 384 Gln Gln Leu Gln Gln Ile Leu Thr Ser Arg Glu Val Leu Pro Gly Ala 115 120 125 aag tgc gat tat acc ata caa gtg cag ctc agg ttc tgt ctc tgt gag 432 Lys Cys Asp Tyr Thr Ile Gln Val Gln Leu Arg Phe Cys Leu Cys Glu 130 135 140 acc agc tgc ccc cag gag gac tat ttc ccc cct aac ctc ttt gtc aag 480 Thr Ser Cys Pro Gln Glu Asp Tyr Phe Pro Pro Asn Leu Phe Val Lys 145 150 155 160 gtt aat ggg aaa ctc tgc ccc ctg ccg ggt tac ctc cct cca acc aag 528 Val Asn Gly Lys Leu Cys Pro Leu Pro Gly Tyr Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys 165 170 175 aat gga gct gag ccc aag agg cct agt cgt cca atc aac atc aca ccc 576 Asn Gly Ala Glu Pro Lys Arg Pro Ser Arg Pro Ile Asn Ile Thr Pro 180 185 190 ctg gct cgt ctc tca gcc act gtt ccc aac acc ata gtg gtt aac tgg 624 Leu Ala Arg Leu Ser Ala Thr Val Pro Asn Thr Ile Val Val Asn Trp 195 200 205 tca tct gag ttt gga cgg aat tac tcc ttg tct gtg tac ctg gtg agg 672 Ser Ser Glu Phe Gly Arg Asn Tyr Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Val Arg 210 215 220 cag ttg act gca ggg acc ctg cta caa aag ctc aga gcc aag ggt atc 720 Gln Leu Thr Ala Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Lys Leu Arg Ala Lys Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 cgg aat cca gac cat tcc cga gca ctg atc aag gag aaa ttg act gct 768 Arg Asn Pro Asp His Ser Arg Ala Leu Ile Lys Glu Lys Leu Thr Ala 245 250 255 gac ccc gac agt gaa gtg gct act aca agt ctc cgg gtg tca ctc atg 816 Asp Pro Asp Ser Glu Val Ala Thr Thr Ser Leu Arg Val Ser Leu Met 260 265 270 tgc ccg ctg ggg aag atg cgc ctg act gtc cca tgc cgc gct ctc acc 864 Cys Pro Leu Gly Lys Met Arg Leu Thr Val Pro Cys Arg Ala Leu Thr 275 280 285 tgt gcc cac ctg cag agt ttc gat gct gcc ctt tat cta cag atg aat 912 Cys Ala His Leu Gln Ser Phe Asp Ala Ala Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn 290 295 300 gag aaa aag cca aca tgg acg tgc cct gtg tgt gac aag aag gct ccc 960 Glu Lys Lys Pro Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 tat gag tca ctg att att gat ggt tta ttc atg gaa att ctt aat tcc 1008 Tyr Glu Ser Leu Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Asn Ser 325 330 335 tgt tcg gat tgt gat gag atc cag ttc atg gaa gat gga tcc tgg tgt 1056 Cys Ser Asp Cys Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys 340 345 350 cca atg aaa ccc aag aag gag gca tcc gag gtt tgc ccc cca cca ggg 1104 Pro Met Lys Pro Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly 355 360 365 tat ggg ctg gat ggt ctc cag tat agc cca gtc cag gag gga aat cag 1152 Tyr Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Glu Gly Asn Gln 370 375 380 tca gag aat aag aag agg gtt gaa gtc att gac ttg aca atc gaa agc 1200 Ser Glu Asn Lys Lys Arg Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser 385 390 395 400 tca tca gat gag gaa gat ctg ccc ccc acc aag aag cac tgc cct gtt 1248 Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu Asp Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Pro Val 405 410 415 acc tcg gct gcc att cca gcc ctt cct gga agc aaa gga gcc ctg acc 1296 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Ala Leu Thr 420 425 430 tct ggt cac cag ccg tct tcg gtg ctg cgg agc cct gca atg ggt aca 1344 Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr 435 440 445 ctg ggc agt gat ttc ctg tct agt ctc cca cta cat gag tac cca cct 1392 Leu Gly Ser Asp Phe Leu Ser Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro 450 455 460 gcc ttc ccg ctg ggg gct gac atc caa ggt tta gat tta ttt tct ttc 1440 Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe 465 470 475 480 ctt cag act gag agt cag cac tac agc cct tca gtt atc act tca cta 1488 Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His Tyr Ser Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu 485 490 495 gat gag cag gac acc ctt ggc cac ttc ttc caa ttc cgg gga acc cct 1536 Asp Glu Gln Asp Thr Leu Gly His Phe Phe Gln Phe Arg Gly Thr Pro 500 505 510 ccc cac ttc ctg ggc cca ctg gcc ccc aca ttg ggg agc tct cac cgc 1584 Pro His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Arg 515 520 525 agc gcc act cca gca ccc gct cct ggc cgt gtc agc agc att gtg gct 1632 Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Ala Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala 530 535 540 cct ggg agt tcc ttg agg gaa ggg cat gga gga ccc ctg cct tcc ggt 1680 Pro Gly Ser Ser Leu Arg Glu Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly 545 550 555 560 ccc tct ttg act ggc tgt cgg tca gac gtc att tcc ttg gac tga 1725 Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg Ser Asp Val Ile Ser Leu Asp 565 570 2 574 PRT Rattus norvegicus 2 Met Lys Ile Lys Glu Leu Tyr Arg Arg Arg Phe Pro Arg Lys Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 Gly Pro Ser Asp Leu Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Ser Pro 20 25 30 Val Gly Ser Pro Ser Pro Leu Ala Ser Ile Pro Pro Thr Leu Leu Thr 35 40 45 Pro Gly Thr Leu Leu Gly Pro Lys Arg Glu Val Asp Met His Pro Pro 50 55 60 Leu Pro Gln Pro Val His Pro Asp Val Thr Met Lys Pro Leu Pro Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Glu Val Tyr Gly Glu Leu Ile Arg Pro Thr Thr Leu Ala Ser Thr 85 90 95 Ser Ser Gln Arg Phe Glu Glu Ala His Phe Thr Phe Ala Leu Thr Pro 100 105 110 Gln Gln Leu Gln Gln Ile Leu Thr Ser Arg Glu Val Leu Pro Gly Ala 115 120 125 Lys Cys Asp Tyr Thr Ile Gln Val Gln Leu Arg Phe Cys Leu Cys Glu 130 135 140 Thr Ser Cys Pro Gln Glu Asp Tyr Phe Pro Pro Asn Leu Phe Val Lys 145 150 155 160 Val Asn Gly Lys Leu Cys Pro Leu Pro Gly Tyr Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys 165 170 175 Asn Gly Ala Glu Pro Lys Arg Pro Ser Arg Pro Ile Asn Ile Thr Pro 180 185 190 Leu Ala Arg Leu Ser Ala Thr Val Pro Asn Thr Ile Val Val Asn Trp 195 200 205 Ser Ser Glu Phe Gly Arg Asn Tyr Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Val Arg 210 215 220 Gln Leu Thr Ala Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Lys Leu Arg Ala Lys Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 Arg Asn Pro Asp His Ser Arg Ala Leu Ile Lys Glu Lys Leu Thr Ala 245 250 255 Asp Pro Asp Ser Glu Val Ala Thr Thr Ser Leu Arg Val Ser Leu Met 260 265 270 Cys Pro Leu Gly Lys Met Arg Leu Thr Val Pro Cys Arg Ala Leu Thr 275 280 285 Cys Ala His Leu Gln Ser Phe Asp Ala Ala Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn 290 295 300 Glu Lys Lys Pro Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 Tyr Glu Ser Leu Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Asn Ser 325 330 335 Cys Ser Asp Cys Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys 340 345 350 Pro Met Lys Pro Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly 355 360 365 Tyr Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Glu Gly Asn Gln 370 375 380 Ser Glu Asn Lys Lys Arg Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser 385 390 395 400 Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu Asp Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Pro Val 405 410 415 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Ala Leu Thr 420 425 430 Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr 435 440 445 Leu Gly Ser Asp Phe Leu Ser Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro 450 455 460 Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe 465 470 475 480 Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His Tyr Ser Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu 485 490 495 Asp Glu Gln Asp Thr Leu Gly His Phe Phe Gln Phe Arg Gly Thr Pro 500 505 510 Pro His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Arg 515 520 525 Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Ala Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala 530 535 540 Pro Gly Ser Ser Leu Arg Glu Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly 545 550 555 560 Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg Ser Asp Val Ile Ser Leu Asp 565 570 3 1725 DNA Homo sapiens CDS (1)..(1725) 3 atg aag atc aaa gag ctt tac cga cga cgc ttt ccc cgg aag acc ctg 48 Met Lys Ile Lys Glu Leu Tyr Arg Arg Arg Phe Pro Arg Lys Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 ggg ccc tct gat ctc tcc ctt ctc tct ttg ccc cct ggc acc tct cct 96 Gly Pro Ser Asp Leu Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Ser Pro 20 25 30 gta ggc tcc cct ggt cct cta gct ccc att ccc cca acg ctg ttg gcc 144 Val Gly Ser Pro Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Ile Pro Pro Thr Leu Leu Ala 35 40 45 cct ggc acc ctg ctg ggc ccc aag cgt gag gtg gac atg cac ccc cct 192 Pro Gly Thr Leu Leu Gly Pro Lys Arg Glu Val Asp Met His Pro Pro 50 55 60 ctg ccc cag cct gtg cac cct gat gtc acc atg aaa cca ttg ccc ttc 240 Leu Pro Gln Pro Val His Pro Asp Val Thr Met Lys Pro Leu Pro Phe 65 70 75 80 tat gaa gtc tat ggg gag ctc atc cgg ccc acc acc ctt gca tcc act 288 Tyr Glu Val Tyr Gly Glu Leu Ile Arg Pro Thr Thr Leu Ala Ser Thr 85 90 95 tct agc cag cgg ttt gag gaa gcg cac ttt acc ttt gcc ctc aca ccc 336 Ser Ser Gln Arg Phe Glu Glu Ala His Phe Thr Phe Ala Leu Thr Pro 100 105 110 cag caa gtg cag cag att ctt aca tcc aga gag gtt ctg cca gga gcc 384 Gln Gln Val Gln Gln Ile Leu Thr Ser Arg Glu Val Leu Pro Gly Ala 115 120 125 aaa tgt gat tat acc ata cag gtg cag cta agg ttc tgt ctc tgt gag 432 Lys Cys Asp Tyr Thr Ile Gln Val Gln Leu Arg Phe Cys Leu Cys Glu 130 135 140 acc agc tgc ccc cag gaa gat tat ttt ccc ccc aac ctc ttt gtc aag 480 Thr Ser Cys Pro Gln Glu Asp Tyr Phe Pro Pro Asn Leu Phe Val Lys 145 150 155 160 gtt aat ggg aaa ctg tgc ccc ctg ccg ggt tac ctt ccc cca acc aag 528 Val Asn Gly Lys Leu Cys Pro Leu Pro Gly Tyr Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys 165 170 175 aat ggg gcc gag ccc aag agg ccc agc cgc ccc atc aac atc aca ccc 576 Asn Gly Ala Glu Pro Lys Arg Pro Ser Arg Pro Ile Asn Ile Thr Pro 180 185 190 ctg gct cga ctc tca gcc act gtt ccc aac acc att gtg gtc aat tgg 624 Leu Ala Arg Leu Ser Ala Thr Val Pro Asn Thr Ile Val Val Asn Trp 195 200 205 tca tct gag ttc gga cgg aat tac tcc ttg tct gtg tac ctg gtg agg 672 Ser Ser Glu Phe Gly Arg Asn Tyr Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Val Arg 210 215 220 cag ttg act gca gga acc ctt cta caa aaa ctc aga gca aag ggt atc 720 Gln Leu Thr Ala Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Lys Leu Arg Ala Lys Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 cgg aac cca gac cac tcg cgg gca ctg atc aag gag aaa ttg act gct 768 Arg Asn Pro Asp His Ser Arg Ala Leu Ile Lys Glu Lys Leu Thr Ala 245 250 255 gac cct gac agt gag gtg gcc act aca agt ctc cgg gtg tca ctc atg 816 Asp Pro Asp Ser Glu Val Ala Thr Thr Ser Leu Arg Val Ser Leu Met 260 265 270 tgc ccg cta ggg aag atg cgc ctg act gtc cct tgt cgt gcc ctc acc 864 Cys Pro Leu Gly Lys Met Arg Leu Thr Val Pro Cys Arg Ala Leu Thr 275 280 285 tgt gcc cac ctg cag agc ttc gat gct gcc ctt tat cta cag atg aat 912 Cys Ala His Leu Gln Ser Phe Asp Ala Ala Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn 290 295 300 gag aag aag cct aca tgg aca tgt cct gtg tgt gac aag aag gct ccc 960 Glu Lys Lys Pro Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 tat gaa tct ctt atc att gat ggt tta ttt atg gag att ctt agt tcc 1008 Tyr Glu Ser Leu Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Ser Ser 325 330 335 tgt tca gat tgt gat gag atc caa ttc atg gaa gat gga tcc tgg tgc 1056 Cys Ser Asp Cys Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys 340 345 350 cca atg aaa ccc aag aag gag gca tct gag gtt tgc ccc ccg cca ggg 1104 Pro Met Lys Pro Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly 355 360 365 tat ggg ctg gat ggc ctc cag tac agc cca gtc cag ggg gga gat cca 1152 Tyr Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Gly Gly Asp Pro 370 375 380 tca gag aat aag aag aag gtc gaa gtt att gac ttg aca ata gaa agc 1200 Ser Glu Asn Lys Lys Lys Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser 385 390 395 400 tca tca gat gag gag gat ctg ccc cct acc aag aag cac tgt tct gtc 1248 Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu Asp Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Ser Val 405 410 415 acc tca gct gcc atc ccg gcc cta cct gga agc aaa gga gtc ctg aca 1296 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Val Leu Thr 420 425 430 tct ggc cac cag cca tcc tcg gtg cta agg agc cct gct atg ggc acg 1344 Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr 435 440 445 ttg ggt ggg gat ttc ctg tcc agt ctc cca cta cat gag tac cca cct 1392 Leu Gly Gly Asp Phe Leu Ser Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro 450 455 460 gcc ttc cca ctg gga gcc gac atc caa ggt tta gat tta ttt tca ttt 1440 Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe 465 470 475 480 ctt cag aca gag agt cag cac tat ggc ccc tct gtc atc acc tca cta 1488 Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His Tyr Gly Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu 485 490 495 gat gaa cag gat gcc ctt ggc cac ttc ttc cag tac cga ggg acc cct 1536 Asp Glu Gln Asp Ala Leu Gly His Phe Phe Gln Tyr Arg Gly Thr Pro 500 505 510 tct cac ttt ctg ggc cca ctg gcc ccc acg ctg ggg agc tcc cac tgc 1584 Ser His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Cys 515 520 525 agc gcc act ccg gcg ccc cct cct ggc cgt gtc agc agc att gtg gcc 1632 Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Pro Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala 530 535 540 cct ggg ggg gcc ttg agg gag ggg cat gga gga ccc ctg ccc tca ggt 1680 Pro Gly Gly Ala Leu Arg Glu Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly 545 550 555 560 ccc tct ttg act ggc tgt cgg tca gac atc att tcc ctg gac tga 1725 Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg Ser Asp Ile Ile Ser Leu Asp 565 570 4 574 PRT Homo sapiens 4 Met Lys Ile Lys Glu Leu Tyr Arg Arg Arg Phe Pro Arg Lys Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 Gly Pro Ser Asp Leu Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Ser Pro 20 25 30 Val Gly Ser Pro Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Ile Pro Pro Thr Leu Leu Ala 35 40 45 Pro Gly Thr Leu Leu Gly Pro Lys Arg Glu Val Asp Met His Pro Pro 50 55 60 Leu Pro Gln Pro Val His Pro Asp Val Thr Met Lys Pro Leu Pro Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Glu Val Tyr Gly Glu Leu Ile Arg Pro Thr Thr Leu Ala Ser Thr 85 90 95 Ser Ser Gln Arg Phe Glu Glu Ala His Phe Thr Phe Ala Leu Thr Pro 100 105 110 Gln Gln Val Gln Gln Ile Leu Thr Ser Arg Glu Val Leu Pro Gly Ala 115 120 125 Lys Cys Asp Tyr Thr Ile Gln Val Gln Leu Arg Phe Cys Leu Cys Glu 130 135 140 Thr Ser Cys Pro Gln Glu Asp Tyr Phe Pro Pro Asn Leu Phe Val Lys 145 150 155 160 Val Asn Gly Lys Leu Cys Pro Leu Pro Gly Tyr Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys 165 170 175 Asn Gly Ala Glu Pro Lys Arg Pro Ser Arg Pro Ile Asn Ile Thr Pro 180 185 190 Leu Ala Arg Leu Ser Ala Thr Val Pro Asn Thr Ile Val Val Asn Trp 195 200 205 Ser Ser Glu Phe Gly Arg Asn Tyr Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Val Arg 210 215 220 Gln Leu Thr Ala Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Lys Leu Arg Ala Lys Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 Arg Asn Pro Asp His Ser Arg Ala Leu Ile Lys Glu Lys Leu Thr Ala 245 250 255 Asp Pro Asp Ser Glu Val Ala Thr Thr Ser Leu Arg Val Ser Leu Met 260 265 270 Cys Pro Leu Gly Lys Met Arg Leu Thr Val Pro Cys Arg Ala Leu Thr 275 280 285 Cys Ala His Leu Gln Ser Phe Asp Ala Ala Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn 290 295 300 Glu Lys Lys Pro Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 Tyr Glu Ser Leu Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Ser Ser 325 330 335 Cys Ser Asp Cys Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys 340 345 350 Pro Met Lys Pro Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly 355 360 365 Tyr Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Gly Gly Asp Pro 370 375 380 Ser Glu Asn Lys Lys Lys Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser 385 390 395 400 Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu Asp Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Ser Val 405 410 415 Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Val Leu Thr 420 425 430 Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr 435 440 445 Leu Gly Gly Asp Phe Leu Ser Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro 450 455 460 Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe 465 470 475 480 Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His Tyr Gly Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu 485 490 495 Asp Glu Gln Asp Ala Leu Gly His Phe Phe Gln Tyr Arg Gly Thr Pro 500 505 510 Ser His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Cys 515 520 525 Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Pro Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala 530 535 540 Pro Gly Gly Ala Leu Arg Glu Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly 545 550 555 560 Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg Ser Asp Ile Ile Ser Leu Asp 565 570 5 99 PRT Rattus norvegicus 5 Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro Tyr Glu Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Ser Ser Cys Ser Asp Cys 20 25 30 Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys Pro Met Lys Pro 35 40 45 Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly Tyr Gly Leu Asp 50 55 60 Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Gly Gly Asp Pro Ser Glu Asn Lys 65 70 75 80 Lys Lys Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Ser Ser Asp Glu 85 90 95 Glu Asp Leu 6 572 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature (41)..(41) Xaa = proline or serine 6 Met Lys Ile Lys Glu Leu Tyr Arg Arg Arg Phe Pro Arg Lys Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 Gly Pro Ser Asp Leu Ser Leu Leu Ser Leu Pro Pro Gly Thr Ser Pro 20 25 30 Val Gly Ser Pro Xaa Pro Leu Ala Xaa Ile Pro Pro Thr Leu Leu Xaa 35 40 45 Pro Gly Thr Leu Leu Gly Pro Lys Arg Glu Val Asp Met His Pro Pro 50 55 60 Leu Pro Gln Pro Val His Pro Asp Val Thr Met Lys Pro Leu Pro Phe 65 70 75 80 Tyr Glu Val Tyr Gly Glu Leu Ile Arg Pro Thr Thr Leu Ala Ser Thr 85 90 95 Ser Ser Gln Arg Phe Glu Glu Ala His Phe Thr Phe Ala Leu Thr Pro 100 105 110 Gln Gln Xaa Gln Gln Ile Leu Thr Ser Arg Glu Val Leu Pro Gly Ala 115 120 125 Lys Leu Asp Tyr Thr Ile Gln Val Gln Leu Arg Phe Cys Leu Cys Glu 130 135 140 Thr Ser Leu Pro Gln Glu Asp Tyr Phe Pro Pro Asn Leu Phe Val Lys 145 150 155 160 Val Asn Gly Lys Leu Cys Pro Leu Pro Gly Tyr Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys 165 170 175 Asn Gly Ala Glu Pro Lys Arg Pro Ser Arg Pro Ile Asn Ile Thr Pro 180 185 190 Lys Ala Arg Leu Ser Ala Thr Val Pro Asn Thr Ile Val Val Asn Trp 195 200 205 Ser Ser Glu Phe Gly Arg Asn Thr Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Val Arg 210 215 220 Gln Leu Thr Ala Gly Thr Leu Leu Gln Lys Leu Arg Ala Lys Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 Arg Asn Pro Asp His Ser Arg Ala Leu Ile Lys Gly Lys Leu Thr Ala 245 250 255 Asp Pro Asp Ser Gly Val Ala Thr Thr Ser Leu Arg Val Ser Leu Met 260 265 270 Cys Pro Leu Gly Lys Met Arg Leu Thr Val Pro Cys Arg Ala Leu Thr 275 280 285 Cys Ala His Leu Gln Ser Phe Ser Ala Ala Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn 290 295 300 Glu Lys Pro Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro Trp 305 310 315 320 Glu Ser Leu Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Xaa Ser Cys 325 330 335 Ser Asp Cys Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Thr Cys Pro 340 345 350 Met Lys Pro Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly Tyr 355 360 365 Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Xaa Gly Xaa Pro Ser 370 375 380 Glu Asn Lys Lys Xaa Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Ser 385 390 395 400 Ser Asp Glu Glu Asp Leu Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Xaa Val Thr 405 410 415 Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Xaa Leu Thr Ser 420 425 430 Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr Leu 435 440 445 Gly Xaa Asp Phe Leu Ser Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro Ala 450 455 460 Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe Leu 465 470 475 480 Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln Tyr Xaa Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Asp Glu 485 490 495 Gln Asp Xaa Leu Gly His Phe Phe Gln Xaa Arg Phe Thr Pro Xaa His 500 505 510 Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Xaa Ser Ala 515 520 525 Thr Pro Ala Pro Xaa Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala Pro Gly 530 535 540 Xaa Xaa Leu Arg Glu Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly Pro Ser 545 550 555 560 Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg Ser Asp Ile Xaa Ser Leu Asp 565 570 7 99 PRT Homo sapiens 7 Thr Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro Tyr Glu Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Ile Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Asn Ser Cys Ser Asp Cys 20 25 30 Asp Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Cys Pro Met Lys Pro 35 40 45 Lys Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly Tyr Gly Leu Asp 50 55 60 Gly Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Glu Gly Asn Gln Ser Glu Asn Lys 65 70 75 80 Lys Arg Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Ser Ser Asp Glu 85 90 95 Glu Asp Leu 8 167 PRT Homo sapiens 8 Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Ser Val Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Val Leu Thr Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser 20 25 30 Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr Leu Gly Gly Asp Phe Leu Ser 35 40 45 Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp 50 55 60 Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His 65 70 75 80 Tyr Gly Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Asp Glu Gln Asp Ala Leu Gly 85 90 95 His Phe Phe Gln Tyr Arg Gly Thr Pro Ser His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu 100 105 110 Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Cys Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Pro 115 120 125 Pro Gly Ala Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala Pro Gly Gly Ala Leu Arg Glu 130 135 140 Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg 145 150 155 160 Ser Asp Ile Ile Ser Leu Asp 165 9 167 PRT Homo sapiens 9 Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Pro Val Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser 20 25 30 Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr Leu Gly Ser Asp Phe Leu Ser 35 40 45 Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp 50 55 60 Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His 65 70 75 80 Tyr Ser Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Asp Glu Gln Asp Thr Leu Gly 85 90 95 His Phe Phe Gln Phe Arg Gly Thr Pro Pro His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu 100 105 110 Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Arg Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Ala 115 120 125 Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala Pro Gly Ser Ser Leu Arg Glu 130 135 140 Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg 145 150 155 160 Ser Asp Val Ile Ser Leu Asp 165 10 98 PRT synthetic construct misc_feature (25)..(25) Xaa = serine or asparagine 10 Trp Thr Cys Pro Val Cys Asp Lys Lys Ala Pro Tyr Glu Ser Leu Ile 1 5 10 15 Ile Asp Gly Leu Phe Met Glu Ile Leu Xaa Ser Cys Ser Asp Cys Asp 20 25 30 Glu Ile Gln Phe Met Glu Asp Gly Ser Trp Leu Pro Met Lys Pro Lys 35 40 45 Lys Glu Ala Ser Glu Val Cys Pro Pro Pro Gly Tyr Gly Leu Asp Gly 50 55 60 Leu Gln Tyr Ser Pro Val Gln Xaa Gly Xaa Pro Ser Glu Asn Lys Lys 65 70 75 80 Xaa Val Glu Val Ile Asp Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Ser Ser Asp Glu Glu 85 90 95 Asp Leu 11 167 PRT Rattus norvegicus misc_feature (8)..(8) Xaa = serine or proline 11 Pro Pro Thr Lys Lys His Cys Xaa Val Thr Ser Ala Ala Ile Pro Ala 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Gly Ser Lys Gly Xaa Leu Thr Ser Gly His Gln Pro Ser Ser 20 25 30 Val Leu Arg Ser Pro Ala Met Gly Thr Leu Gly Xaa Asp Phe Leu Ser 35 40 45 Ser Leu Pro Leu His Glu Tyr Pro Pro Ala Phe Pro Leu Gly Ala Asp 50 55 60 Ile Gln Gly Leu Asp Leu Phe Ser Phe Leu Gln Thr Glu Ser Gln His 65 70 75 80 Tyr Xaa Pro Ser Val Ile Thr Ser Leu Asp Glu Gln Asp Xaa Leu Gly 85 90 95 His Phe Phe Gln Xaa Arg Gly Thr Pro Xaa His Phe Leu Gly Pro Leu 100 105 110 Ala Pro Thr Leu Gly Ser Ser His Xaa Ser Ala Thr Pro Ala Pro Xaa 115 120 125 Pro Gly Arg Val Ser Ser Ile Val Ala Pro Gly Xaa Xaa Leu Arg Glu 130 135 140 Gly His Gly Gly Pro Leu Pro Ser Gly Pro Ser Leu Thr Gly Cys Arg 145 150 155 160 Ser Asp Ile Xaa Ser Leu Asp 165 12 26 PRT Rattus norvegicus 12 Ala Thr Gly Ala Ala Gly Ala Thr Cys Ala Ala Ala Gly Ala Gly Cys 1 5 10 15 Thr Thr Thr Ala Cys Cys Gly Ala Cys Gly 20 25 13 23 PRT Rattus norvegicus 13 Thr Cys Ala Gly Thr Cys Cys Ala Gly Gly Gly Ala Ala Ala Thr Cys 1 5 10 15 Ala Thr Gly Ala Cys Cys Gly 20 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a mammalian KChAP protein or a nucleotide sequence complementary to a nucleotide sequence encoding a mammalian KChAP protein.
 2. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein said sequence encodes a protein selected from the group consisting of human KChAP protein and rat KChAP protein.
 3. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity to a member selected from the group consisting of: (a) the amino acid sequence set forth in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) the amino acid sequence set forth in FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO: 4; and (c) the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 6. 4. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes an amino acid sequence having at least 95% identity to a member selected from the group consisting of: (a) the amino acid sequence set forth in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) the amino acid sequence set forth in FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO: 4; and (c) the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 6. 5. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 2, shown in FIG. 2 or an allelic variant thereof.
 6. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence, SEQ ID NO: 4, shown in FIG. 3 or an allelic variant thereof.
 7. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein said polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) a sequence having at least 85% identity to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1; b) a sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; c) a sequence having at least 85% identity to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; and d) a sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 SEQ ID NO:
 3. 8. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein said protein binds to the N-termini of the Kvα subunits Kv2.1, Kv2.2, Kv1.3, and Kv4.3 and to the C-terminus of Kvβ1.2 and wherein said protein comprises: a Kvaα/Kvβ binding domain having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 10. 9. The polynucleotide of claim 8 wherein said protein further comprises a C terminal domain having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 11. 10. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a peptide fragment of a KChAP protein, said peptide fragment selected from the group consisting of the Kvα/Kvβ binding domain of the KChAP protein, the C-terminal region of the KChAP protein, and combinations thereof.
 11. The polynucleotide of claim 10, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and combinations thereof.
 12. An isolated KChAP protein.
 13. The isolated protein of claim 12 wherein said protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2 or the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 6. 14. The isolated protein of claim 12 wherein said protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 95% identity with the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 2 or the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 6. 15. An isolated peptide comprising the Kvα/Kv β binding domain of KChAP.
 16. The isolated peptide of claim 15 wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 10. 17. A host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a KChAP protein and a polynucleotide encoding an exogenous Kvα subunit.
 18. The host cell of claim 17 wherein the Kvα subunit is selected from the group consisting of Kv2.1, Kv2.2, Kv1.3 and Kv4.3.
 19. A method for increasing the number of Kv channels formed by a Kvα subunit on the plasma membrane of a host cell, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cRNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding KChAP; (b) providing a cRNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding said Kvα subunit; wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding KChAP and the nucleotide sequence encoding said Kvα subunit may be on the same or different cRNA molecules; and (c) introducing the cRNA molecule encoding KChAP and the cRNA encoding said Kvα subunit into the host cell.
 20. A method for testing the effect of a compound on current flow through a Kv channel formed by a plurality of Kvα subunits, said method comprising the following steps: a. providing a control population of cells that lack Kv channels formed by said Kvα subunit; b. providing a test population of cells having a plurality of Kv channels formed by said Kvα subunits, said test population comprising host cells co-injected with cRNA molecules encoding KChAP and with cRNA molecules encoding said Kvα subunit; c. treating the test population and the control population with the compound; and d. measuring whole-cell currents in said test population and said control population; wherein a difference between the whole-cell currents in said test population and said control populations is indicative of an effect of the compound on current flow through the Kv channels formed by the Kvα subunits. 